Fitted and flat sheets for baby cot - why do I need both?

[ShanghaiDoll]

I'm getting close to the time when I need to start getting everything finalised before baby's arrival in about 8 weeks. Having a look through the baby shops "must have" lists they recommend having both fitted and flat sheets for the cot. I have a Chicco Next 2 Me cot and I'm planning on using fitted sheets and some form of swaddling method e.g. peanut swaddle or blanket swaddle depending on baby so can't see where the flat sheets would be used.

I'm confused as to why you would need both. Can anyone shed any light?

I used a flat sheet as a top sheet when bub was older. A sleep consultant suggested it to tuck them into nice and snug.

We swaddle using flat sheets.

They could also be used as they were in old fashioned (pre duvet) beds, to save washing blankets if baby needs extra warmth. It's ok to use sheets and blankets on top of a swaddle if tucked tightly in.

But don't get them if you don't think you'll need them!

I have a mix (as i was given them) prefer flat as i can use them on the crib, cot and travel cot, neither baby liked to be swaddeled but i use sleeping bags so dont use a top sheet.

I never used a flat sheet, since we used baby sleeping bags - as I think most people do these days. Perhaps these lists are simply out of date.

I mainly use sleeping bags but stick a flat sheet (or blanket) over ds if he gets chilly in the night. It's useful to have a choice of layers, I think.

Ah that's true lost - I had Aden & Anais muslins which were amazing, because they're so light but really warm, to add layers, and cotton blankets from M&S / John Lewis.

We just used a fitted sheet, and either a baby sleeping bag or blankets.

I just used a fitted sheet and gro-bags.

The blankets and sheets were barely touched.

To be fair a lot of the things put in "essential" lists aren't necessary, the stores just want your cash!

All mine were swaddled then moved on to grobags

don't have a single flat sheet - only things in bed are fitted sheet and grobag. My sleeping bags strictly warn that you're not supposed to use a an extra cover when using sleeping bag.

Fitted sheets only here, I dint want to wrestle sick covered flat sheets at 3am! Muslins are great for sticking under babies head in case of this btw.

And don't buy too many swaddles my DS hated it and it was such a waste of money.

People buy swaddles? Just used a blanket folded into a triangle for all mine!

I used fitted sheets and a gro swaddle. I tried using a cellular blanket to swaddle DD1 but it kept coming off. I bought the gro swaddle for DD2 off eBay. They don't cost much if you buy second hand, and then resold. I can't imagine baby items like grobags and aden & anais muslins don't sell for most of its original value.

I've never used a flat sheet and my baby is nine months now. We used fitted sheets on the crib and then cellular blankets when she was tiny, before moving on to grobags.

I used a flat sheet doubled over and placed on top of the fitter one where the baby's head was. Made it much quicker and easier to change when she was a bit sick or dribbly

Yeah, sleeping bags all say not to use extra blankets but it's what everyone does where I am (shrug).

Depends on the tog rating of the sleeping bag. If it's a low tog on a cool night and the high togs are in the wash, then an extra sheet (not tucked in) doesn't hurt. Also waited till ds could roll over etc before moving on to sleeping bags. Common sense, as with most things.

My eldest is now 4 and I've never used a flat sheet.

Just thought of another use! When away and using a travel cot they fit much better on the 'mattress' than a fitted one would.

I never used flat sheets. Is the list written by someone with a vested interest in flat sheet sales?

Scotinoz- just because it's what everyone does, doesn't mean it's safest or best practice.

why not do your own research, find out the reasons why sheets aren't recommended with grobags (overheating), then decide yourself if it's a risk you want to take with your baby?